The most wanted quality in a leader

Why do some influence more than others

Ever since I was young, I've been fascinated by leadership. I loved listening in on the conversations in the fireplace room and made a dedicated effort to understand the details of those discussions. I paid attention to the tone of the dialogue, the problem-solving techniques, and the variety of solutions presented. I also took note of who participated more or less frequently, as well as whose opinions carried the most weight.

I have always wondered why some people are more influencers than others and why they lead the way. What is the most distinctive characteristic of the people who influence our life, society, and world? What makes them problem solvers, decision-makers, strategists, executives, visionaries, and inspiring? 

 I asked my social media friends about the most important quality they seek in a leader. The results showed that they value character traits over competence. Specifically, 23 respondents stated they want a leader with humility, integrity, honesty, dignity, and justice.

According to a survey conducted by Catalyst  (Next Generation Leadership) in the US, 69% of respondents believe that INTEGRITY is the most important characteristic of a great leader. AUTHENTICITY and DISCIPLINE were also highly valued, all in terms of character rather than competence. Interestingly, COMPETENCE was ranked fifth on the list of essential leadership traits for the next decade's leaders.

Along the same line, the study of world experts on leadership, Kouzes -Posner, published in the book "The Truth about Leadership," shows that 80% of the pollers asked about the quality they admired the most about a leader. They preferred HONESTY, followed by INTEGRITY, VISION, INSPIRATION, and COMPETENCE. 

The dominant opinion is that people look first and foremost for integrity and honesty in a leader. They are looking for someone to trust. They look for someone whose being is more important than doing, for a leader with strong moral principles who lives by them. 

Oxford's dictionary definition of integrity; Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

In business, we refer to integrity as a group of characteristics and principles that include honesty, respect, loyalty, responsibility, and the belief that applies to every aspect of the company's operations. Adapted from Paul Klein  Forbes.com

John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, highlights the importance of character as the most important quality of a leader in his best-selling book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader." Maxwell emphasizes that character is not just about words but actions that determine one's true character. Despite proclaiming to be a person of integrity, one's deeds are the ultimate reflection of their character.

The importance of one's character in their actions cannot be overstated. In a world where dishonesty, doubt, and unethical behavior are prevalent, individuals search for a leader whose character is commendable. A leader must possess traits such as integrity to be an effective communicator. While it may not be an easy feat to achieve, it is necessary for a leader who wants to make a positive impact. It is not a destination that followers aspire to but a continuous journey.

In this decade, what should leaders keep in mind to ensure they possess effective leadership that embodies integrity?

• Inner Compass: Identifying the foundation of your moral code is crucial. Who or what serves as your guiding light? Who do you trust to lead you on the right path? As a leader, having a strong moral compass is essential to gaining the respect and admiration of those around you. 

• Close circle; You must surround yourself with a small group of trustworthy individuals - friends, colleagues, and your spouse - who will provide you with honest and authentic relationships. 

• Self-reflection: consistently reflect on your actions and decisions. Engage in critical thinking, reading, or writing to evaluate your life and make adjustments as necessary. This practice will help you grow and strengthen your inner self.

What is the quality you most appreciate in a leader? Why?

P.s One integrity test: If you find this article useful and want to share it on your page, please quote the writer, Agustin Prenga